I am very pleased to have fellow author, Carole Ann Moleti, visit. I love the title and cover of her latest novel, “Storm Watch”, book three of the Unfinished Business series. The official genre is Light Paranormal Romance. It has some spice, open door sex scenes, but no erotic. The author tells me there is minimal foul language.

Thanks so much for hosting me today. Storm Watch is the third book in the series, which I started writing as short story I called Unfinished Business, back in 2006. That initial piece was published in Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts. Truly unfinished, it was the middle of the story, and I was encouraged to “novelize” it by adding the backstory for Liz and Elisabeth, which became Breakwater Beach. Then I wrote forward to expand on Mike and Jared’s stories. Storm Watch brings all the characters and their ghosts back onstage together.

The Unfinished Business Series

I’m excited, but a little sad because this is the last book in the series, at least with Mike and Liz as the hero and heroine. I’ve toyed with the idea of writing two more books, one focused on Mae and Kevin, and one based on Sandra. Based on past experience, once I’m sitting on Breakwater or Paine’s Creek Beach this summer, or walking the Brewster Flats, I’ll be dictating scenes from Book Four into my Dragon app. Good thing I go walking alone early in the morning else people would think I was nuts.

Oh, I think we writers are entitled to talk to ourselves and not be declared officially insane. Don’t you agree? We can always refer to is as ‘research’. {wink, wink}

There is so much I’d love to talk about, but I’d really rather answer questions readers might have about the series, or the individual books. So, read the blurbs and the excerpts on my website http://www.caroleannmoleti.com/the-unfinished-business-series/ to get a feel and ask away. {blurbs to each book and one excerpt are also given below} Better yet, subscribe to my newsletter http://eepurl.com/bfNver All new subscribers get a free PDF of Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts, plus special announcements, bonus content, and all my tour information , including sales.

Liz Levine is convinced her recently deceased husband is engineering the sequence of events that propels her into a new life. But it’s sea captain Edward Barrett, the husband that died over a century ago, who has returned to complete their unfinished business. Edward’s lingering presence complicates all her plans and jeopardizes a new relationship that reawakens her passion for life and love. What are Captain Barrett’s plans for his wife, and for the man who is the new object of her affections?

The Widow’s Walk: Book Two

Mike and Liz Keeny are newlyweds, new parents, and the proprietors of the Barrett Inn, an 1875 Victorian on Cape Cod, which just happens to be haunted. By their own ghosts. The Inn had become an annex of Purgatory, putting Mike, Liz, and their infant son in danger. Selling the historic seaside bed and breakfast was the only answer, one that Liz and her own tortured specter refused to consider. Were they doomed to follow the same path that led to disaster in their previous lives? Was getting out, getting away, enough?

Storm Watch: Book Three

Mike and Liz thought they’d gotten control of the specters haunting the Barrett Inn. But things get very complicated when they’re the ghosts from your past life. The Category Five Hurricane bearing down on Cape Cod appears to be headed directly for them–or has it been spawned from inside them? Knowing it’s their last chance to end the hauntings, Mike and Liz must decide whether to run or to defy evacuation orders. Will they survive the storm?

Excerpt of “Storm Watch”–

Mike and Liz had survived the first round, and they’d remained hopeful the specters would settle down. But there was enough unfinished business for any cosmic disturbance to rile them up again. This storm watch was more than just a minor blip on the radar—or a coincidence.

Noisy seagulls hunted as the storm with enough power to blow them to Rhode Island threatened. Mike rolled his shoulders, flexing the stiff muscles in his back, trying to imagine he could shed his wife and his son to escape the gaping jaws of Captain Edward Barrett’s legacy. Normally a lingering vague threat, it rubbed him raw at moments like this when he had nothing to do but wait for the bay to come in around him so he could go out and make a living.

He rinsed his hands in a tide pool. The shadow sent hermit crabs scurrying. Brine stung his knuckles but stopped the oozing with that invisible layer of stickiness every saltwater fisherman learns to love. An incoming tide rolled across the flats as the storm clouds amassed.

The boat teeter-tottered on its keel as Mike climbed aboard and settled into a seat. Reassured by the glimmering water rippling in to release him from bondage, he readied his fishing gear. Chants of “ohmmmmm” from morning beach yoga carried in the breeze. At least that was connection with living spirits, as opposed to the dead, stale vestiges of lives ended too soon who were unable to give up and let go.

A woman out for an early morning walk grew larger and larger. Her broad-brimmed hat dipped so low over her eyes he couldn’t see her face, though her skinny legs, matchstick arms, and pigeon chest were unmistakable once she’d emerged from the glare. That, the jangling earrings, and the purple and pink broomstick skirt hitched up and secured with a silver belt.

“Good morning, Mike.” Always oppositional, Sandra was headed out when everyone was on their way back.

“Where’re you going, Sandra? Tide’s coming in.”

She flipped up the floppy brim and grinned. “I’m headed over to check on Harley.”

The Whaler rocked in the surf. “Should be ready to roll in about twenty minutes. I’ll give you a ride over.”

Sandra didn’t break stride. “That’s okay. I’ll be sitting on the beach with the old buzzard before you even pull up anchor.”

They were both oddballs: He, wearing a Red Sox cap, a scruffy beard, a black tee-shirt showing a bit of belly, while sitting like a bum in a beached boat. Sandra, like an escapee from a Harry Potter novel, headed over to check on a ninety-six-year-old hermit who lived on a dune that was cut off from the mainland at high tide.

I am so excited to have author Joanne Guidoccio stop in for a visit. She is here to tell us about her new romantic suspense book, “Too Many Women in the Room“. I really like that title. Joanne, please take it away:

On a Greek Culinary Journey with Joanne:

Gilda Greco, protagonist of Too Many Women in the Room, and I have a special fondness for Greek cuisine. We appreciate the simple and elegant flavors of foods and beverages that can be traced back to Ancient Greece.

Here are ten interesting milestones from Greek culinary history:

Feta cheese is said to be about 6,000 years old, making it one of the world’s oldest cheeses.

In Greece, cheesecakes were considered excellent sources of energy and served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Greek brides and grooms celebrated their nuptials with cheesecake.

The first “cookbook” was written by Greek poet and gourmand, Archestratos, in 330 B.C. His humorous didactic poem Hedypatheia (Life of Luxury), written in hexameters but known only from quotations, advises the reader where to find the best food in the Mediterranean world.

In the Middle Ages, monastic brothers who prepared food in the Greek Orthodox monasteries, wore tall white hats to distinguish themselves from regular monks, who wore large black hats.

Many ingredients used in modern Greek cooking—bananas, potato, spinach, tomato—were unknown until the discovery of the Americas.

Dishes with names like tzatziki (from the Turkish “cacik”), hummus (from the Arabic word for chickpea) and dolmades (from the Turkish word “dolma”) also found a home in Greek cooking.

The Greek Frappe (similar to an iced coffee) was invented at the Thessaloniki Trade Fair in 1957.

Greece’s climate is ideal for growing olive and lemon trees, producing two important elements of Greek cooking. Spices, garlic, and herbs such as basil, mint, oregano, and thyme are added to create blends of tangy seasonings.

Lamb, which is usually spit-roasted, is the most popular meat served in Greek homes and restaurants. Other meats include chicken, pork, beef, and fish. All of these meats can be used in souvlaki.

Filo dough, ultra-thin, flaky pastry, forms the foundation of many popular Greek recipes, including Spanakopita (spinach pie) and Baklava (sweet pastry with nuts).

Yep, I am fond of several Greek foods; Baklava, olive oil, and of course cheesecake!

Blurb for “Too Many Women in the Room”:

When Gilda Greco invites her closest friends to a VIP dinner, she plans to share David Korba’s signature dishes and launch their joint venture— Xenia, an innovative Greek restaurant near Sudbury, Ontario. Unknown to Gilda, David has also invited Michael Taylor, a lecherous photographer who has throughout the past three decades managed to annoy all the women in the room. One woman follows Michael to a deserted field for his midnight run and stabs him in the jugular.

Gilda’s life is awash with complications as she wrestles with a certain detective’s commitment issues and growing doubts about her risky investment in Xenia. Frustrated, Gilda launches her own investigation and uncovers decades-old secrets and resentments that have festered until they explode into untimely death. Can Gilda outwit a killer bent on killing again?

Excerpt

“I’m a nobody here,” David said, glancing down at his plate. “And with my credit rating, none of the banks would endorse a loan. I’m screwed.”

“What if I backed you?” I couldn’t believe I was speaking so casually, all the while my heart beat at an alarming rate.

David rubbed a hand over his chin and flashed a grin at me. “Gilda, darling, you’re sweet to offer, but I don’t think you know what’s involved here.”

Susan nodded in agreement.

Were they playing me, I wondered. Since winning nineteen million dollars in Lotto649, I had encountered many sharks who hoped to prey on my easy-going nature. A quick Google search would have revealed my three-year-old lottery win. Old news, but still there on the second and third pages.

“Would one hundred thousand dollars be enough?” I asked. “In case you don’t know, I won a major lottery several years ago.” Since winning, I had received many proposals from across the province and had backed three local ventures. In each case, I had chosen to remain a silent partner.

David’s right hand trembled as he poured himself another glass of wine. Susan’s mouth dropped open, and she gave a little gasp.

“I take it that’s a yes,” I said.

More mild protests followed, and another bottle of wine disappeared. We were all a bit tipsy when we shook on the agreement. And so Xenia was born.

In 2008, Joanne took advantage of early retirement from a 31-year teaching career and decided to launch a second act that would tap into her creative side and utilize her well-honed organizational skills. Slowly, a writing practice emerged. Her articles and book reviews were published in newspapers, magazines, and online. When she tried her hand at fiction, she made reinvention a recurring theme in her novels and short stories. A member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America, Joanne writes cozy mysteries, paranormal romance, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.

Earlier this year I welcomed Linda Bradley to come and talk about her Maggie Abernathy & Montana series. At that time, she had recently released book # 2 (“Maggie’s Fork in the Road”). Now book # 3, “Maggie’s Montana”, is available and I have partnered with CPL Book Tours to invite Linda back.

Welcome, Linda! Let’s ask a few nosy questions to get to know you and more about your series. First, what is this book about?

LB: Maggie Abernathy, best friend Judy, and Judy’s two young sons travel cross country to visit John McIntyre and daughter Chloe at their Montana ranch. Maggie’s convinced herself that she’s only making the trip to fulfill her promise to visit Chloe, but once there she can’t help but fall in love with the horses, the land, the ranch, and the Montana ways of life. With Chloe’s loving antics, Winston’s gift, and a handful of wranglers showing her the ropes, will Maggie have the heart to say goodbye?

Second, why did you write it?

LB: When I wrote, Maggie’s Way, Montana Bound Series: Book 1, I intended it to be a single title, but when it was time to type “The End” something inside me told me Maggie’s journey wasn’t over. One book morphed into three, each with its own premise. The second book in the series is Maggie’s Fork in the Road, and Maggie’s Montana is the third book.

Third, how long did it take?
LB: It took me about four months to have my first draft.

Can you describe your writing area?
LB: I write at my desk in an office that I share with my husband. I write at our dining room table, in bed, on the sofa. It depends on my mood. When it’s summer, I tend to find myself of on the deck or on our porch with my dog, Maisey. Now that it’s fall, we’re back inside most days.

And what is the hardest part about writing for you?

LB: Keeping my desk organized along with all the ideas that pop into my head.

Yeah, I have the same problem. I try though, to keep it organized. My problem isn’t so much ideas but just juggling all the balls I have up in the air. Okay, how about some ice-breaking questions.

Most recent movie: Pretty Woman, again.

Winning the lottery: I’d pinch myself, finish out the school year, and then retire.

Invisible or x-ray vision: Invisible.

Typical Day: I teach second grade full time, so it’s a lot of hustle and bustle during the school year. The summer is different. I own that and it’s a time to rejuvenate, get projects done around the house, travel, and write.

Fall Days: Out walking with my husband and dog.

Musical Instrument: I played the cello up until college. Some days I wonder if I’d be able to rekindle the connection.

Foreign Language: None, fluently. I wish I did though. I took German in high school and French in college.

Four people for dinner: Last time you asked me this question, I said Julianne Moore, Sam Elliott, Robert Redford, and Nicholas Sparks. Since it’s a new dinner party, I’d invite these Downtown Abbey regulars, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Phyllis Logan, Lesley Nichol. That would be a hoot!

Growing up, what did I want to be: I wanted to be an artist. I spent many hours drawing and coloring. I took my first college art class when I was fourteen. My dad was an instructor at the local community college and he found an art teacher to take me under her wing. This is a hand-colored photograph I did last summer while working on Maggie’s Montana.

Favorite place to visit: The Peanut Shop in Lansing, Michigan. This store has been there forever. It’s the best place to buy fresh roasted peanuts while enjoying a slice of yesteryear.

What makes me laugh: A good joke or a classic rerun of Match Game.

3 adjectives: Creative, Resourceful, Determined

Favorite Season: Summer

Strangest thing I ate: caviar

Strangest thing I’ve done: Oh boy, not sure I can divulge that information.

Dance or sing: Definitely not dance, but I can carry a tune on a good day.

Second home: Mountain cabin for the summer and a beach home for the winter.

Dessert: Anything chocolate.

Whom do you admire: My parents. They were married 53 years. Here’s a groovy seventies photo of them on a family trip. Every summer, we’d load up the station wagon and they’d take us on a trek somewhere in the continental United States. Thanks to them I’ve been a lot of places. Thanks to them, I’ve got a lot of great memories!

Car: Silver Malibu

Favorite Art: Impressionism

3 wishes: 1) Retire early 2) Make a movie 3) Beach house

Favorite Vacation Spots: Montana, Italy, Ireland, the beach.

Awesome, Linda. I love your answers. Ireland is on my list too. Before we go on to showcase “Maggie’s Montana”, do you have any parting thoughts to share?

Quote I love: “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” -Ernest Hemingway

One thing few people know about you: I have stayed in touch with my oldest and dearest kindergarten friend from elementary school all my life.

Do you believe in love at first sight? – Yes!

Maggie’s Montana

Excerpt from Chapter 20

I squeezed my eyes tight as chills ran down my spine. A gentle hand rested on the nape of my neck. The touch grounded me and for a split second, I thought maybe it was my father. Tears welled and I pressed the palms of my hands into my eyes, trying to stop the longing I felt for my dad who’d left me years ago. I saw Chloe perched on John’s hip with her arms around his neck in my mind. It seemed like eons since I was that little girl in my own father’s arms.

Through the tears, I stared at my dusty boots. John ran his fingers up my neck and into my hair. I squeezed my eyes tighter, hoping this wasn’t a dream.

John knelt beside me, his hand on my knee, and his finger under my chin. “Saw you leave. Wondered if you were all right?”

I shrugged. Cocoa ran past, and then nestled in the straw at my feet and stretched out, letting her kittens suckle. “No, guess not,” I said.

“Anything I can do to help?”

I scooted over on the bench and John sat beside me. “I don’t think so.” I tucked my hair behind my ears.

“Well I think there is, but I’m going to let you solve your own dilemma.”

I wiped the corners of my eyes and watched the kittens nuzzle up to their momma’s belly, safe from the world around them until she went out to hunt. “Probably best.” Locking my elbows, I rested my hands on my knees. I liked the feel of worn blue jeans, inside, and out.

“Dinner is almost ready,” John said.

Our gazes met. My stomach wasn’t the only thing growling. “I don’t know if I want dinner. I kind of like it out here.” The barn truly was a sanctuary.

“Well, you’ve got to eat, darlin’.” John wrapped his arm around my shoulder and drew me close, his green eyes trying to hide his own disappointments.

I couldn’t help but think I was one of them.

“A girl your age can’t live on s’mores and beer, ’cause that’s what we’re having later.”

“No. Sometimes things just feel right.” John kissed me as I took in his words, his breath in sync with mine. My stomach rolled over and I let myself kiss him back as if it were the very first time.

Author Bio

Linda’s inspiration comes from her favorite authors and life itself. Her women’s fiction highlights characters that peel away outer layers of life to discover the heart of their dreams with some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Her writing integrates humor found in everyday situations, as well as touching moments, thus creating avenues for readers to connect with her characters.

Linda has an Associates Degree in Interior Design and a Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts with undergraduate work in Elementary Education and Fine Arts. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book titled,The Hunterfor her Master’s Degree. Linda is a member of RWA, as well as the Greater Detroit Chapter of RWA.

Linda has two grown sons, lives with her husband, and rescue dog in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Today Stacy Hoff is stopping by, talking about her new release, Jockeying for You. This is a fast paced, Thoroughbred racing romance. Honestly, what can be more exciting than sexy hunks, Thoroughbreds, and racing hearts? Welcome, Stacy!

Jockeying for You – Book Blurb
Jake Carter is on a mission—to prove his family wrong. He may have bought a troubled horse, but he’s hired Ryder Hannon, a “horse whisperer,” to get his horse back on track. She’s more than just a trainer to him, she’s the woman he’s been looking for.
Ryder Hannon, a thoroughbred horse trainer, has a big problem—fighting her fear of racing again. Her emotional scars run deeper than her physical ones. But her romantic feelings towards handsome, uber-rich, stable owner Jake Carter is a bigger problem. Is Jake truly in love with her or is he using her to get back at his smug family? ­
When Jake’s jockey gets injured, he wants Ryder to race. He knows deep down she wants to live up to her family’s legacy. So why does she keep fighting him—and her destiny—so hard?

Ok, Stacy, let’s start with some questions about the book before we move on to the nosy, pushy kind.

What is this book about in a nutshell? Ryder Hannon is through being a jockey. Racing has left her emotionally & physically scarred. Uber-rich stable owner Jake Carter wants the impossible—getting her back in the saddle, and into his heart.

How long did it take to write? Writing JOCKEYING FOR YOU took a while. The research alone took several months, and that was before I typed my first word. After I felt knowledgeable enough about the basics of the sport, and horse racing industry as a whole, drafting the story took me about three months.

Where do you write? Photos optional— My little cave of a home-office. The room is barely bigger than an over-sized closet. The diminutive size has a positive effect—there’s not much to distract me.

Any special reason why you chose the character names and location that you did? The character name that gave me the most difficulty was for the horse in the story, Handsome Dancer. This is because racehorse names are often a blending of a horse’s parents’ names, so I had to work out a fictitious equestrian lineage.

As for location, I chose New York’s horse-racing scene because it had tracks I could (and did) travel to—Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

Belmont Park, Queens NY

Describe the path to publication?

In 2013 I attended my RWA chapter’s annual writing conference. I pitched my first book, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES, to the founder and senior editor of Soul Mate Publishing, Inc., Deborah Gilbert. Fortunately, Debby liked my pitch and I received my contract. Soul Mate has been great to work with. I’ve been sending them my manuscripts ever since. JOCKEYING FOR YOU will be my fourth novel published by SMP.

Are you working on anything else right now?

I’m working on a new contemporary romance series, BUILDING LOVE, which is set in the construction industry. Each book is steeped in family power, drama and secrets. My heroes and heroines will face a lot of challenges in order reach their “happily ever after.” Book 1, BUILDING LOVE IN VEGAS, and book 2, BUILDING LOVE IN THE CARIBBEAN, are both already drafted, with book 1 to be released within the next several months. I’m currently sketching out the plot points for book 3, although I may decide to stop planning and just start typing because I’m a “pantser” (someone who writes by the seat of their pants).

Awesome, I love the idea of the locations. Now, how about some ice breaking questions, all the better for getting to know you:

Your favorite town/ city in the world? Why?

New York City. I may not live there now, but it will always be my home.

How did you meet your spouse/ significant other?

We were college sweethearts. We met by living in the same dorm.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Would you keep your day job (if you have one?)

It’d have to be a pretty big lottery win for me to quit my day job; I’ve got two kids who will be going to college in a few years. Paying for their education won’t be pretty.

What is your favorite past time?

Drawing classes at a local art gallery. When I focus on art, my mind is free from everything else. I find it a similar creative outlet as fiction writing.

Would you rather have the ability to be invisible or have x-ray vision?

Invisible. Imagine all the conversations I could eavesdrop! It’d give me great fodder for my stories.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Writing. I’m always grateful for the rain. I don’t feel tortured that I’m missing time outdoors with my family.

What one item would you grab if the house was on fire? (assume no living beings are inside)

My Mac laptop and flash drives. I never trust the cloud.

What’s one favorite thing you do by yourself?

Beside writing and my art classes, I like to cook.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

A writer. I knew myself well. Being practical, however, I became an attorney. Now I balance both jobs.

Some quickies:

Favorite food to cook?

Bolognese sauce, which is fun to make from scratch when I have the time.

Favorite animal?

Horses (perhaps not a surprise, given my new book).

Favorite color?

Blue. I find it peaceful.

Favorite book?

Oooh, too many, but I’ll go with Diane Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series.

Favorite sport or physical activity?

Pilates. Though I exercise out of necessity, not love.

Favorite kind of music?

Anything from the eighties.

Favorite place to visit?

Venice, Italy. My husband and I visited during our honeymoon, twenty years ago. We vowed we will go back one day.

Favorite season?

Fall. The inner artist in me can’t resist the foliage.

Can you dance? Sing?

Not a whit, although I am a half-way decent artist. Still, I doubt anyone cares to watch me paint.

Which do you prefer for a second home? Mountain cabin, beach house or big city condo?

Although I’m originally from New York City, I am drawn to the idea of mountain cabins over condos. The second book in my DESIRE series (DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC) takes place in a mountain range in Alaska’s Yukon.

What dessert do you order most often?

Carrot cake.

What kind of car do you drive? Color?

A red Toyota Rav 4. (New England requires All Wheel Drive.)

What is your favorite type of art?

I love oil paintings, although I only have time to sketch nowadays.

What three items would you take if you knew you were going to be stranded on a tropical island for a year? (enough suntan lotion is a freebie)

This is a good question for me to muse if I want to write a third book in my survival-based DESIRE series. For now, I’ll choose a fishing pole, a strong knife, and lots of canvass to make a tent and clothing.

One quote you love, that keeps you going in life?

“It is what it is.” I like the Zen spirit of this, since I’m a Type A personality.

Describe a real-life situation in which you stood up for someone/ something.

Standing up on behalf of my younger son. I constantly battle the local school board for learning accommodations due to his severe dyslexia. Getting the help my boy needs has been one of my biggest—and most important—challenges in life.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes. And I’ve been married to my husband ever since.

Stacy, I love your answers, especially your challenge to be your son’s school advocate. Not easy. Horses, blue, fall foliage, all things that speak to me as well. I cannot wait to read “Jockeying for You”.

Want to know more about Stacy Hoff?

Stacy Hoff is a contemporary romance author, as well as an attorney. She has practiced law for two decades, primarily handling contracts. Romance novels have always been her secret passion. She writes her romantic stories until the wee hours of the night. Stacy lives in New England with her husband and two boys.

JOCKEYING FOR YOU will be her fourth novel. Her other novels are: DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES (DESIRE series, book 1), DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC (DESIRE series book 2), and LAWFULLY YOURS . Her upcoming series, BUILDING LOVE, will have book 1, BUILDING LOVE IN VEGAS, out soon.

“You sure you can control a horse with a soft voice like that?” Jake asked, half-teasing.

He could tell she was sizing up his comment, whether it was a joke or an admonishment. Rather than help her out, he decided to see what she’d make of it.

“They don’t call me the horse whisperer for nothing,” she finally let out with an accompanying shrug.

He smiled. Good. She can hold her own. With Handsome Dancer, she’ll need to. He won’t explain himself, either.

“Glad you brought that up. Tell me a little about your philosophy.”

“All right. I imagine you’ve already heard a bit about how I train or we wouldn’t be talking. My approach is simple, I help the horse train himself.”

Jake felt his eyebrows furrow. “Excuse me? What?”

Ryder frowned.

One of his regular waiters approached, pen and paper already out. “Give us a minute, Robert?” Turning his attention back to her, he asked, “I’m sorry, you were explaining your philosophy. It sounded very . . . unorthodox.”

“I’m guessing you’ve seen my track record, so I’m confident unorthodox works. I don’t treat a horse like it’s some kind of four-footed magical carpet, ready to take off at our command. Horses are live creatures. They let us command them when they want to. And if they don’t, no amount of breaking them is going to win a race.”

She paused, cleared her throat, then picked up the glass of ice water in front of her and took a sip. She was peering at him thoughtfully over the rim of the glass. “It’s not as crazy as it sounds. I simply believe a horse that wants to win will do its best to do so. A horse that doesn’t, won’t.”

Today Madeline Hill is here for a visit to share her story, “Highland Hope“, a part of the Wild Thistle Trilogy. Welcome, Madelyn.

Madelyn, in a few words, can you tell us what your story is about?

Madelyn: Sure can. Highland Hope is a Scottish Historical and book 1 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy. The Trilogy features 3 sisters, Hope, Faith and Honor. When their father dies, he says, “Through Hope, Faith and Honor, ye can rule.” This single statement affects each character in a different way.

Tag Line: Her clan was her everything, until he walked into her castle.

Personally, I think my blurb sums it up really well—

“Remember, lasses. Through Hope, Faith and Honor, ye can rule,” were the last words Lady Hope MacAlister’s father spoke before dying. Those very words direct her every action and thought. Sword fighting and leading the men of her clan was second nature to Hope and she has little time for herself or any thoughts of love. Until Aidan MacKerry is captured spying on the clan.

She is beautiful, strong, and quick to pull a sword. But when he kisses her, all thoughts of the lairdship Aidan MacKerry seeks flee his mind. When the enemy continues to undermine Hope, Aidan is determined to aid her—only he didn’t think he’d lose his heart to the Laird of Wild Thistle Keep. When the enemy reveals Aidan’s secret, he must fight for his right to be laird and prove, despite their differences, he loves Hope.

The enemy refuses to back down and continues to threaten not only Hope, but the security of the entire clan. Only together will they be able to save the clan and save their love.

Why did you write it?

The line the father spoke came to me (in the shower, no less) and I just started writing the trilogy. I think the father’s statement really led to the growth of each character in a different way.

How long did it take?

I started the story several years ago and was working on many other projects. I finally focused and finished book 1 and 2 and I’m steadily making my way through book 3.

During the winter, I write in my small office and when weather allows, I’m on my deck, blaring my iTunes playlist and writing away.

Any special reason why you chose the character names and location that you did? The father’s dying words inspired the names of the characters.

Describe the path to publication?

This is my fourth book with Soul Mate Publishing. I have been actively writing for years and submitting to big houses with no luck. After some prodding from my critique partner, I sent Wolf’s Castle (the first book published by Soul Mate, the fourth full manuscript I’ve written) and the rest is history!

Are you working on anything else right now?

I’m working on Highland Honor – Book 3 of the Wild Thistle Trilogy and gathering research for my next series – Highland Rogues. Highland Rogues will be about 5 books long and feature a group of Highlanders who are like modern day gym rats. The series will be influenced by Shakespearian themes. The first book is Much Ado About A Highlander.

Hardest part about writing?

Keeping focused and not letting the internet snag my attention. I’ve been known to set a timer and when it dings, I’m allowed to look at Facebook and Twitter.

Biggest surprise about being a published author?

That people actually buy, read and review my books!

Do you write in other genres?

I’m dabbling with Young Adult. I have one book done and I’m working on others.

How do you beat procrastination?

I know my personality and I have to keep to a schedule, so I write every day.

How do you beat writer’s block?

If I’m stuck, I’ll pick a future scene to write and that can help with inspiration. Or, I’ll do some research. If that doesn’t work, I’ll start at the beginning of the book and start editing. When I get to the point I was stuck, I’m usually okay to continue. I also add notes at the end of the spot I just stopped writing so I know what direction I was moving toward. For example, Hero will make one last pledge while heroine is doing . .

Awesome, Madelyn. I get surprise inspiration in the shower or car too. And I keep a notebook and pen in a basket just outside the shower for those times. I love how one character’s final line can bring so much flesh and blood to cover three volumes. That’s great. Now, about about some ice-breaking questions, to really get to know you (beyond the writer)…

The most recent movie you’ve seen?

We are huge movie fans! The last movie I saw at the theater was Marvels: Civil War. We watch a lot of movies at home and I love old movies.

Your favorite town/ city in the world? Why?

I love Venice. Such an amazing city with energy, history, can baroque architecture. My husband and I went on a gondola ride and ate pizza. The pigeons flocked around us in the Piazza San Marco. It was magical!

How did you meet your spouse/ significant other?

I met my husband in my hometown, Rochester Michigan. He was from Rochester New York! It was destiny!

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Would you keep your day job (if you have one?)

I would pay off my kid’s student loans. Then travel to every city I’ve ever dreamed of visiting. And yes – I’d quit my day job. I love it, but as a teacher, I wouldn’t be able to travel as much as I’d like.

What is your favorite past time?

Cooking and baking, watching cooking shows, holding events so I can cook and bake!

Would you rather have the ability to be invisible or have x-ray vision?

I think invisibility would be a great ability so I can do research and not be detected.

If you had to give up one of your five senses, what would it be? (common sense does not count here)

Wow, this is a tough one! Maybe touch? I’d hate to lose my sense of taste, sight and hearing.

What ‘s a typical day like?

Driving my son to school, servicing the school districts I work with and then home to cook dinner, attend sporting events and spend the evening with my family. Then as we watch TV at night, I write.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Reading or watching movies.

Do you play any musical instruments?

No.

Do you know any foreign languages?

I understand Spanish, speak it horribly. I also understand a bit of French and Italian and sometimes I mix them all together!

Which person do you admire most in life? Why?

Wow, I’d say persons. My husband is such a hard worker and dedicated person. He always puts others before himself and he makes me laugh.

Also, my mother who valiantly fought stage 4 breast cancer and she lived fighting, living, and giving to others during her 7 year fight.

What one item would you grab if the house was on fire? (assume no living beings are inside)

Photo albums. All of my books are backed up online, so I’d be fine without my computer.
If you could invite four people (living or dead) to dinner, who would they be?

Not including family, John Wayne, Lucille Ball, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Describe one moment in time when you took a huge leap of faith. How did it turn out?

I moved from Michigan to New York on my own.

What’s one favorite thing you do by yourself?

Hmmm. I love to be around people. I guess reading or watching the shows no one else likes.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

A writer then an engineer.

Favorite food to cook?

Anything Italian

Favorite animal?

Horses

Favorite color?

Red

Favorite sport or physical activity?

Swimming

Favorite place to visit?

Rome

Favorite season?

Spring, Fall is a close second.

Which do you prefer for a second home? Mountain cabin, beach house or big city condo?

Beach house

What dessert do you order most often?

Tiramisu

What kind of car do you drive? Color?

White Yukon

What is your favorite type of art?

Impressionism – Mary Cassatt is my favorite artist.

Favorite vacation spot?

Any beach!

What three items would you take if you knew you were going to be stranded on a tropical island for a year? (enough suntan lotion is a freebie)

I’m assuming family is a given, so books, coffee, and pot to cook with.

One quote you love, that keeps you going in life?

“Love is the irresistible desire to be desired irresistibly.”

Robert Frost

One thing few people know about you?

I show my horses and rabbits in 4-H

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes!

Two things you wish people would ask you about your book?

About the writing process and how characters speak to me.

Anything special you would like to share with readers?

Each book holds a part of the writer. It may be a character, a conflict, or the setting, but as we write the book, there is the indelible mark of ourselves on every page.

Madelyn, thank you for your candid responses. Tell us a bit about yourself professionally, please.

Madelyn’s Bio:
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she’d sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a “closet” writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn’t be happier! A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They now have 3 children and keep busy cooking, watching their children’s sporting events, and of course reading!

I was honored and flattered when C.D. Hersh contacted me, inquiring if they could feature their latest release, The Mercenary and the Shifters, The Turning Stone Chronicles, book four. Of course! It’s a fascinating series and I have no doubt this book is just as awesome as the previous three.

This is a sensually hot, urban fantasy paranormal suspense romance. Don’t you just love the mish-mash genres? I sure do! This book releases today– July 27th, so you can get your copy now. Or really treat yourself and get all four in the series–even better.

What is this about? I am so glad you asked. Here is the back over description:

When mercenary soldier Michael Corritore answers a desperate call from an ex-military buddy, he finds himself in the middle of a double kidnapping, caught in an ancient war between two shape shifter factions, and ensnared between two female shape shifters after the same thing … him.

Shape shifter Fiona Kayler will do anything to keep the shipping company her father left her, including getting in bed with the enemy. But when she believes the man trying to steal her company is involved with kidnapping her nephew, she must choose between family, fortune, and love. The problem is … she wants all three.

Now, that sounds full of action, and sexy hot romance. Here is an excerpt to whet your appetite:

Mike’s presence in her bedroom as she gathered overnight items for the guesthouse comforted Fiona. It also set jitters off in her stomach. The man was hot and muscular and very alpha. He’d removed a sword and gun from his duffel bag and slung them, along with a bandolier of ammunition, over his shoulder after they’d been attacked. The sight of his weapons and his protective behavior did unfamiliar, disconcerting things to her.

“Does the guesthouse have a phone?” he asked over her shoulder.

Fiona jumped and slammed her palm to her chest. “Jeez, don’t sneak up on me. I didn’t hear you cross the room.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“After what happened tonight, it won’t take much to make me jump. And, no, it doesn’t. But I’ve got my cell.”

“I’ll need the number.”

“Ditto, on yours.”

“I think you need to take your gun. The one you pulled on me.”

“After tonight, I’ll sleep with that baby under my pillow.”

Mike studied her. “You’re certain you don’t have an idea who might want you dead? What about the group you’re dealing with? What was the name again?”

“OmniWorld? I think I’m more important to them alive, at the moment.”

A knowing smile flashed across Mike’s face, and she realized he’d tricked her into revealing the name of the cartel she’d withheld earlier.

“At the moment?”

She thought about the cargo Mr. Swindell’s associate had forced her to ship. Had he’d lied about the cigarettes? If he had, she needed backup. Hugh trusted Mike. She needed to do the same.

“I’m handling some freight for them. I don’t think they want to off me, at least until the deal’s finished.”

Mike swore under his breath. “What are you mixed up in, Fiona?” When she didn’t answer he continued, “If I’m going to help, you have to be completely honest with me.”

She cringed at the word completely. Honesty with anyone, at this point, could only be partial. How much could—should—she tell him?

A mercenary soldier lands in the middle of a double kidnapping, an ancient shape shifter war, and two female shape shifters after the same thing … him.

Oh-oh. You just know this is a super book. Take a look at the entire series:

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after.

Together they have co-authored a number of dramas, six which have been produced in Ohio, where they live. Their interactive Christmas production had five seasonal runs in their hometown and has been sold in Virginia, California, and Ohio. Their most recent collaborative writing efforts have been focused on romance. The first four books of their paranormal romance series entitled The Turning Stone Chronicles are available on Amazon. They also have a Christmas novella, Kissing Santa, in a Christmas anthology titled Sizzle in the Snow, with seven other authors.

Today I get to welcome author Cerian Hebert to the blog to discuss her release. “The Staying Kind.” Must say, I love the cover. Turns out we have a shared love, admiration and background of being around horses. So, Cerian, take it away!

Cerian: Here is my back cover blurb for “The Staying Kind”:

Rio Presley isn’t looking for a place to fit in when she finds a job at a stable in New Hampshire. Travis Lithgow isn’t expecting to discover a drifter taking up residence in his hunting cabin and working for his aunt. Just back from a tour in the Middle East, he’s rebuilding his relationship with his rebellious teenage daughter. He’s sure Rio’s presence in their lives won’t make things easier, but he admires Rio’s strength facing the adversities in her life.

As Rio fights the urge to get back on the road before she becomes too comfortable with her newfound love of horses, her feelings for Travis become stronger than the need to flee. Both he and his aunt are offering Rio everything she’s ever been afraid to want, but staying could bring her past crashing into the happy life she’s begun to build.

Sounds super. What is this book about? You know…genre, plot, characters— The Staying Kind is a Contemporary Romance. Rio Presley isn’t looking for a place to fit in when she finds a job at a stable in New Hampshire. Travis Lithgow isn’t expecting to discover a drifter taking up residence in his hunting cabin and working for his aunt. Just back from a tour in the Middle East, he’s rebuilding his relationship with his rebellious teenage daughter. He’s sure Rio’s presence in their lives won’t make things easier, but he admires Rio’s strength facing the adversities in her life.

As Rio fights the urge to get back on the road before she becomes too comfortable with her newfound love of horses, her feelings for Travis become stronger than the need to flee. Both he and his aunt are offering Rio everything she’s ever been afraid to want, but staying could bring her past crashing into the happy life she’s begun to build.

How long did it take? I actually started writing this back around 2010. It sat on a shelf for a while as I worked on other projects. Finally, it was time to have this one published.

Any special reason why you chose the character names and location that you did? I love setting my stories in small towns in New England, particularly New Hampshire, where I’ve lived most of my life. I’m not really sure how I chose the name “Rio”. I needed something different, and of course a certain Duran Duran song gave me the idea.

Describe the path to publication? It was a long and winding path. I started, like many writers do, at around the age of 12. I wrote on and off (more off than on) until I reached my 20’s and then became more serious. This was before the age of the internet so I had to rely on “how to” books and writing away to publishers like Harlequin to get guidelines. Finally, once the internet came along everything opened up for me. It still took several years until I finished a manuscript worthy of publication. I’m still learning though. Learning about self-publishing and marketing.

Um, I think we’re all still learning, regardless how many books we’ve had put out. Are you working on anything else right now? Yes, I always have several projects going on at once. I’m trying to get some sequels out on books I’ve self-published, and for the first time I’m working on a manuscript that’s already been contracted. That’s a first for me and a little scary.

Hardest part about writing? Hands down it’s finding the time to write. Between a full time, job and four kids, I can’t sit down whenever I want and write. I have to steal moments whenever and wherever I can.

Do you write in other genres? Yes. I love writing ghost stories. They must be romances, but I have no problem throwing a ghost or two into my stories. And I wrote one book (hoping to write a sequel) about a witch with a matchmaking goddess hanging around her.

Now that sounds interesting! Okay, how about some non-writing questions? This is where the fun usually begins. What is the most recent movie you’ve seen or book you’ve read? (or both) Last movie I saw in a theater was the latest Star Wars (which was awesome). Last book I finished reading is Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky.

Your favorite town/ city in the world? Why? Washington DC. While I wouldn’t want to live there it’s my favorite city to visit. I am a nut for museums and there’s none better than the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History. One of my goals in my teenage years was to become the curator of that museum.

How did you meet your spouse/ significant other? Jim was the roommate of a high school friend of mine. I had just gone through a divorce when we met, so while there was some attraction, I was not ready for any kind of relationship. Not to mention he’s seven years younger than me, which at that time in our lives, he was barely old enough to drink. After a year, however, we had a whirlwind affair, and got married. That was 20+ years ago.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? Would you keep your day job (if you have one?) I would give 2 weeks’ notice, pay off all my bills and those of my family members, buy a couple decent cars and a nice house (nothing over the top). Then go on vacation to England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

What is your favorite past time? Though I haven’t done it in many many many years, horseback riding was my all-time favorite thing to do, be it trail riding with a bunch of friends, or showing my horse at the small 4-H shows in the area.

Do you play any musical instruments? I played the coronet, the clarinet, and the piano. All badly. I’m probably the only kid who had to “practice” the coronet in the back seat of a Rolls Royce while it was in the garage.

Which person do you admire most in life? Why? My big sister, Lesley. She is an amazing, brave, and strong woman. For the past many years she’s lived out west as a firefighter for the US Forestry service. She’s been a Hot Shot in Alaska, a Smoke Jumper in Wyoming, she’s gone to schools all over with Smoky Bear to talk to kids about fire prevention, and she’s gone to Africa on three occasions to teach firefighting there. She’s humble and always supportive of me and my writing, but as you can see, she is my true role model and hero.

What one item would you grab if the house was on fire? (assume no living beings are inside) My laptop, with my thumb drives.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I wanted to be (in no particular order) 1. An Olympic horseback rider (closest I came was grooming horses for a future Olympic rider), 2. An actress in Hollywood (majored in theater in college until I decided I didn’t want to live in Los Angeles or New York). 3 A paleontologist (but I was horrible at science). 4. The curator of the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History. And 5. A romance writer. At least I can say I’ve achieved one of my goals.

Strangest thing you ever ate? Cow tongue or haggis (I’m not very adventurous)

Can you dance? Sing? No way, and Kind of.

Which do you prefer for a second home? Mountain cabin, beach house or big city condo? Beach house. On the Maine coast if we’re being specific.

What is your favorite type of art? The kind that I know exactly what I’m looking at without having to tilt my head or have someone explain it to me.

If you had a magic genie, what would your three wishes be? 1. Enough money to live comfortably without having any financial worry for my family and me. 2. For a world free of hatred, war, disease, and poverty (I had to say it.) 3. Three more wishe

One quote you love, that keeps you going in life? “You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.” Mandy Hale

What would you do in life if you knew you couldn’t fail? I would quit my day job and do what I truly love to do, and that’s write. Put the time I need into making myself the best writer I can be.

Do you believe in love at first sight? I most certainly do. It’s happened to me on several occasions. But love at first sight is the easy part.

Anything special you would like to share with readers? Yes. I love feedback. I want to know what you liked, what you didn’t like about my stories. Without feedback it’s harder to work on what needs fixing.

BIO:

At the age of twelve Cerian was going to be a great mystery/adventure writer with her friends and her as the main characters and their adventures in their rural neighborhood the basis for the stories. As the years went by, adventures in the neighborhood gave way to an enduring interest in horses and boys. So, instead of writing about twelve year olds solving mysteries regarding old, empty houses and strange gusts of icy wind she started writing about romance. And horses.

While growing up in New Hampshire, Cerian dreamed about becoming an Olympic horseback rider, the curator of the Smithsonian Institute of Natural History in Washington DC, a paleontologist, and a famous actress in Hollywood. While none of that worked out, she kept up the writing. While either mucking stalls at a New York horse farm, or taking reservations for cruises, she never stopped writing in her ever growing pile of notebooks.

Currently Cerian lives in southwestern New Hampshire with her husband, two of their four children, one dog, one cat, and three geckos. Her mundane job keeps her busy working as a customer satisfaction rep, until she makes enough at her writing to retire from the glamorous life of data entry.

Excerpt

As sleep began to pull her down, she heard a noise from inside the house this time. She sat up in bed, now wide-awake. The noise repeated, coming from out in the kitchen.

Rio sat still for a long time, listening. Her bedroom door was shut so the sounds were muffled, but constant.

Slowly she climbed out of bed, padded to the door, opening it a crack, enough to peek out. She couldn’t see the entire kitchen from her vantage point, so she stepped out, creeping further down the narrow hall, with only her fists to defend herself.

The sight of Travis standing by the sink surprised her, followed by a flood of relief. So the rain had apparently driven him in and cut his hunting trip short.

Beyond the comfort of having someone home at last, a not-so-new emotion wound its way in. Thick, undeniable attraction came on much stronger, much headier than before.

The fact he stood there bare-chested, in the soft illumination of the light over the stove, did nothing for her resolve to keep those damned lustful thoughts at bay.

I should turn around. Slip into her bedroom, climb into bed and be glad she wasn’t alone. That was what she should do.

Instead she couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. So much about him remained unknown. He’d spent years in the service and she could see it in his build. His tanned skin stretched taut over the muscles of his chest, his abdomen tight.

Rio flexed her fingers and balled them up. The desire to go to him and stroke her hand up the smooth, hard expanse of his back overwhelmed her. She’d struggled with this misplaced attraction for too long, and seeing him this way only made the battle harder to fight.

Damn. Why couldn’t she leave? Go to bed? Why did she have to be so transfixed by him?

Just a second longer, one more glimpse. Then she’d have enough to dream about for a good long while.

Finally, she found the will to leave, but she didn’t even take one step before his voice stopped her.